Heavenly Auspice Ward, central square.
Sun Yong walked at the head of the group, his steps steady, his dark blue training clothes gleaming softly in the sunlight.
Yang Jing, Xu Hong, Qi Yun, and Zhao Wenzheng followed behind him, with Zhang Han, Luo Yun, Song Kang, and the other bright strength disciples farther back. Their imposing, disciplined procession drew glances from the surrounding crowd.
The other disciples from the Martial Arts Hall who had accompanied them scattered at the edge of the square. Some found elevated stone steps to stand on, while others squeezed into the front of the crowd. All looked nervous and excited, their eyes fixed on the backs of their master and senior disciples.
"Master Sun, I've long admired your reputation!"
"Master Sun, you're looking well today!"
People kept cupping their hands in greeting to Sun Yong along the way: wealthy merchants, heads of mid-sized Martial Arts Halls, and various dignitaries from the city.
Sun Yong wore an easy smile and returned each greeting, his tone courteous without sacrificing dignity.
Others turned toward Yang Jing and his companions, greeting them with smiles.
"Brother Xu, it's only been a few days, but your aura has grown even steadier!"
"Miss Qi, you're becoming more remarkable by the day. Your strength must have improved again!"
"Young hero Yang, it's been a long time."
Xu Hong, Qi Yun, and Zhao Wenzheng were all hidden strength experts. They either came from prominent lineages or had spent years making their way in Yuhe County, and their connections ran deep. Each returned the greetings with a smile.
Only Yang Jing, despite having the greatest reputation, rarely interacted with outsiders. When the occasional unfamiliar person greeted him, he merely nodded, his expression calm.
He had always been steady by nature, and his breakthrough to transforming